Homemade Tio Pepe’s Churros Recipe

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I still vividly recall the first time I tasted Tio Pepe’s churros. It was a crisp morning during one memorable summer holiday; the air was infused with anticipation and the sweet aroma of frying dough. With his weathered hands and ever-present smile, Tio Pepe was a craftsman of the highest order, turning simple ingredients into crispy delights that seemed to dance on the taste buds.

Now, after countless sessions apprenticing by his side, covered in a fine mist of flour and sugar, I’ve mastered his recipe and am ready to pass on this piece of our family’s soul to you.

How to make Tio Pepe Churros

Tio Pepe Churros is a popular brand specializing in churros, a traditional Spanish and Latin American fried pastry. Churros are typically made from dough that is fried until crispy and then often coated in sugar or cinnamon sugar. They are commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert, sometimes served with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (115 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour (about 125 grams)
• 3 large eggs at room temperature
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works great)
• 1/2 cup of sugar (for coating)
• 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon (adjust according to taste for coating)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Churro Dough

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the saucepan, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. Let the dough cool for a few minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each egg into the dough before adding the next. The result should be a smooth, sticky dough.

2. Fry the Churros

1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-duty skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Check the temperature with a cooking thermometer.
2. While the oil is heating, spoon your churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
3. Carefully pipe strips of dough (about 4-5 inches long) into the hot oil, using scissors or a knife to cut the dough. Do not overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches.
4. Fry the churros until golden brown, turning them once, which should take about 2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the churros onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

3. Coat the Churros

1. In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, depending on your preference.
2. Roll the warm churros in the sugar-cinnamon mixture until they are well coated.

Tips for the Perfect Tio Pepe’s churros

• The Right Dough Consistency: If the dough is too stiff, your churros may not have that desired tender center. If necessary, you can add an extra egg to the dough.
• Piping Perfection: Using a strong piping bag and a large star-shaped tip is crucial for achieving those classic ridges that make churros so delightful.
• Oil Temperature Is Key: Maintain the oil temperature at around 375°F (190°C) while frying to ensure your churros are perfectly crispy.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your churros fresh and warm for the ultimate experience. They are divine on their own or dipped in thick, hot Spanish chocolate.

What to serve with

Churros, in their simplicity, are delightful on their own. However, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience and create an even more indulgent treat. Here are some classic options and creative ideas on what to serve with your homemade Tio Pepe Churros:

1. Hot Chocolate

A classic Spanish pairing is churros with thick, rich hot chocolate. Unlike the typical American hot chocolate, Spanish hot chocolate is almost pudding-like in consistency and serves as a decadent dipping sauce for the churros.

To Make Spanish Hot Chocolate:

• Heat 2 cups of milk in a saucepan and mix in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
• Once the milk is warm, add 100 grams of chopped dark chocolate and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
• Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture thickens.
• Add a pinch of salt and a touch of vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.

2. Dipping Sauces

Apart from hot chocolate, various other sauces can complement the sweet and cinnamon flavors of churros. Here are a few options:

• Caramel Sauce: Offers a rich, buttery sweetness.
• Chocolate Sauce: It can be thinner than hot chocolate for those who prefer it that way.
• Fruit Coulis: Berry or mango coulis provide a fruity contrast to the churros.
• Dulce de Leche: Adds a South American twist to the classic Spanish treat.

3. Ice Cream

Offering churros with a scoop of ice cream is another delightful way to enjoy them. The contrast between the hot, crispy churros and the cool, creamy ice cream is irresistible.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Complements the cinnamon and sugar without overpowering.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Amplifies the churros’ signature flavor.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For the chocolate lover.

4. Fresh Fruit

If you’re looking for a lighter accompaniment, fresh fruit can add a refreshing element to balance out the sweet and fried nature of churros.

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or a berry medley are great choices.
• Sliced Bananas: Bring a tropical touch to the dessert.
• Citrus Segments: Offer a pop of acidity to cut through the sweetness.

5. Creams and Custards

Slightly thicker than sauces, these can be used for dipping or as a dollop on the side.

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy with a hint of vanilla.
• Custard (Crema Catalana): This Spanish custard adds a traditional regional flavor.
• Mascarpone Cream: Slightly richer and pairs beautifully with the doughnut-like churros.

6. Coffee or Tea

A hot cup of coffee or tea is excellent for those who prefer a less sweet complement to their churros. The warmth and bitterness of these beverages provide a cozy and balanced pairing, especially for an afternoon treat.

• Espresso: A strong shot of espresso stands up well to the sweet churros.
• Café con Leche: This Spanish coffee drink, similar to a latte, accompanies churros well.
• Spanish Tea: Such as mint or chamomile tea to help digest the sweet treat.

7. Alcoholic Beverages

For an adult twist, serve churros with a sweet dessert wine or a small glass of liqueur.

• Pedro Ximénez: A sweet sherry that complements the churros’ flavors.
• Spanish Liquors: Such as Licor 43, which features hints of vanilla and citrus.
• Hot Spiked Coffee: A coffee with a dash of brandy, whiskey, or rum can be a warming end to a meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Tio Pepe Churros at home can be a delightful experience, but sometimes, you may miss an ingredient or two. Fortunately, there are several substitutes you can use without compromising the taste or texture of these beloved treats. Here’s a closer look at ingredient substitutes you might need:

All-purpose Flour

Substitute: Bread flour can be a great alternative if you’re out of all-purpose flour. It has a higher protein content, resulting in a chewier texture, which might benefit the churros’ structure. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Another option is cake flour for a lighter texture, though it’s less common for churros. If you use cake flour, you might want to add an extra tablespoon for each cup to ensure the dough’s firmness.

Unsalted Butter

Substitute: If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt in the recipe by a pinch or half of the original amount, depending on the butter’s salt content. If butter isn’t an option, you can use margarine or even coconut oil as a non-dairy alternative. The key is to use a fat that provides richness; note that using coconut oil might impart a slight coconut flavor to your churros.

Eggs

Substitute: Eggs are crucial for the dough’s consistency and binding. If you’re out of eggs or need an egg-free option, try a commercial egg replacer. Another option is to use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg, which might slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Vegetable or Canola Oil for Frying

Substitute: Nearly any neutral, high smoke-point oil will do if you don’t have vegetable or canola oil. This includes sunflower, safflower, or even light olive oil (not extra virgin). Peanut oil is another excellent option for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but be mindful of potential allergies among your guests.

Sugar for Coating

Substitute: Granulated white sugar is standard for coating churros, but you can get creative here. Powdered sugar can offer a finer, snow-like appearance and a different mouthfeel. For a more complex flavor, try coconut or light brown sugar, though these sugars will add flavor nuances to the churros.

Ground Cinnamon for Coating

Substitute: Ground cinnamon is classic for churro coating, but if you’re out or looking for a twist, consider mixing the sugar with other spice powders. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can create a unique flavor profile. For something different, you could also use a premixed pumpkin spice blend or apple pie spice for an autumnal twist.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Tio Pepe’s churros, ready to conquer your heart (and stomach) one bite at a time. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a special treat for yourself, or to impress your guests, these churros are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

More Churros Recipes:

• Churro Sundae Recipe
• Helados Churro Ice Cream Sandwich
• Disney Churro Ice Cream Sandwich
• Churro Ice Cream Recipe